The BBC today announces that a special BBC TWO drama has
been commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who next
year.

An Adventure in Space and Time will tell the story of
the genesis of Doctor Who since its first broadcast on 23 November 1963.
Exploring all aspects of the longest running science fiction series to date,
the special one off 90 minute drama will also look at the many personalities
involved in bringing the series to life.

Written by Mark Gatiss, it is
Executive Produced by current Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat and Caroline
Skinner. The single drama was commissioned by Ben Stephenson Controller,
Drama and Janice Hadlow, Controller of BBC TWO.

Mark Gatiss, Writer, said:

"This is the story of how
an unlikely set of brilliant people created a true Television original. And how
an actor - William Hartnell - stereotyped in hard-man roles became a hero to
millions of children. I've wanted to tell this story this for more years than I
can remember! To make it happen for 'Doctor Who's 50th birthday is quite simply
a dream come true".

Steven Moffat, Executive Producer,
said:

“The story of Doctor Who is the
story of television - so it's fitting in the anniversary year that we make our
most important journey back in time to see how the TARDIS was launched.”

The production and
transmission schedule will be confirmed next year, along with casting.